CHAPTER 1

upon a time people lived with these limiting but

I COULD NOT HOLD MY breath for seven

arbitrary labels on their backs. Mom was a Five;

minutes. I couldnt even make it to one. I once

Dad was a One. It made no sense, especially

tried to run a mile in seven minutes after hearing

since there was no outward sign of the divisions.

some athletes could do it in four but failed

How was I supposed to know if I was walking

spectacularly when a side stitch crippled me

next to a Six or a Three? And why did that even

about halfway in.

matter?

However, there was one thing I managed to do

When Dad had first decreed that the castes were

in seven minutes that most would say is quite

no more, people all over the country had been

impressive: I became queen.

delighted. Dad had expected the changes he was

By seven tiny minutes I beat my brother Ahren

making in Illa to be comfortably in place over

into the world, so the throne that ought to have

the course of a generation, meaning any day

been his was mine. Had I been born a generation

now everything should click.

earlier, it wouldnt have mattered. Ahren was

That wasnt happeningand this new riot was

the male, so Ahren would have been the heir.

just the most recent in a string of unrest.

Alas, Mom and Dad couldnt stand to watch

Coffee, Your Highness, Neena said, setting

their firstborn be stripped of a title by an

the drink on my table.

unfortunate but rather lovely set of breasts. So

Thank you. You can take the plates.

they changed the law, and the people rejoiced,

I scanned the article. This time a restaurant was

and I was trained day by day to become the next

burned to the ground because its owner refused

ruler of Illa.

to promote a waiter to a position as a chef. The

What they didnt understand was that their

waiter claimed that a promotion had been

attempts to make my life fair seemed rather

promised but was never delivered, and he was

unfair to me.

sure it was because of his familys past.

I tried not to complain. After all, I knew how

Looking at the charred remains of the building, I

fortunate I was. But there were days, or

honestly didnt know whose side I was on. The

sometimes months, when it felt like far too

owner had the right to promote or fire anyone he

much was piled on me, too much for any one

wanted, and the waiter had the right not to be

person, really.

seen as something that, technically, didnt exist

I flipped through the newspaper and saw that

anymore.

there had been yet another riot, this time in

I pushed the paper away and picked up my

Zuni. Twenty years ago, Dads first act as king

drink. Dad was going to be upset. I was sure he

was to dissolve the castes, and the old system

was already running the scenario over and over

had been phased out slowly over my lifetime. I

in his head, trying to figure out how to set it

still thought it was completely bizarre that once

right. The problem was, even if we could fix

one issue, we couldnt stop every instance of

Ah! Its back here. Neena pulled down the

post-caste discrimination. It was too hard to

knee-length dress, fanning it out across the dark

monitor and happening far too often.

skin of her arm.

I set down my coffee and headed to my closet. It

Perfect! And do you know where my gray

was time to start the day.

blazer is? The one with the three-quarter

Neena, I called. Do you know where that

sleeves?

plum-colored dress is? The one with the sash?

She stared at me, her face deadpan. Im

She squinted in concentration as she came over

definitely rearranging.

to help.

I giggled. You search; Ill dress.

In the grand scheme of things, Neena was new

I pulled on my outfit and brushed out my hair,

to the palace. Shed only been working with me

preparing for another day as the future face of

for six months, after my last maid fell ill for two

the monarchy. The outfit was feminine enough

weeks. Neena was acutely attuned to my needs

to soften me but strong enough that Id be taken

and much more agreeable to be around, so I kept

seriously. It was a fine line to walk, but I did it

her on. I also admired her eye for fashion.

every day.

Neena stared into the massive space. Maybe

Staring into the mirror, I talked to my reflection.

we should reorganize.

You are Eadlyn Schreave. You are the next

You can if you have the time. Thats not a

person in line to run this country, and you will

project Im interested in.

be the first girl to do it on your own. No one, I

Not when I can hunt down your clothes for

said, is as powerful as you.

you, she teased.

Dad was already in his office, brow furrowed as

Exactly!

he took in the news. Other than my eyes, I

She took my humor in stride, laughing as she

didnt look much like him. Or Mom, for that

quickly sorted through gowns and pants.

matter.

I like your hair today, I commented.

With my dark hair, oval-shaped face, and a hint

Thank you. All the maids wore caps, but

of a tan that lingered year round, I looked more

Neena was still creative with her hairdos.

like my grandmother than anyone else. A

Sometimes a few thick, black curls would frame

painting of her on her coronation day hung in

her face, and other times she twisted back

the fourth-floor hallway, and I used to study it

strands until they were all tucked away. At the

when I was younger, trying to guess at how I

moment there were wide braids encircling her

would look as I grew. Her age in the portrait

head, with the rest of her hair under her cap. I

was near to mine now, and though we werent

really enjoyed that she found ways to work with

identical, I sometimes felt like her echo.

her uniform, to make it her own each day.

I walked across the room and kissed Dads

cheek. Morning.

Morning. Did you see the papers? he asked.

I considered. I dont think we can. Theres no

Yes. At least no one died this time.

way to prove the old castes were why the waiter

Thank goodness for that. Those were the

was denied the promotion. The only thing we

worst, the ones where people were left dead in

can do is launch an investigation into who set

the street or went missing. It was terrible,

the fire. That family lost their livelihood today,

reading the names of young men whod been

and someone needs to be held responsible.

beaten simply for moving their families into a

Arson is not how you exact justice.

nicer neighborhood or women who were

He shook his head at the paper. I think youre

attacked for trying to get a job that in the past

right. Id like to be able to help them. But, more

would not have been open to them.

than that, we need to figure out how to prevent

Sometimes it took no time at all to find the

this from happening again. Its become rampant,

motive and the person behind these crimes, but

Eadlyn, and its frightening.

more often than not we were faced with a lot of

Dad tossed the paper into the trash, then stood

finger-pointing and no real answers. It was

and walked to the window. I could read the

exhausting for me to watch, and I knew it was

stress in his posture. Sometimes his role brought

worse for Dad.

him so much joy, like visiting the schools hed

I dont understand it. He took off his reading

worked

glasses and rubbed his eyes. They didnt want

communities flourish in the war-free era hed

the castes anymore. We took our time,

ushered in. But those instances were becoming

eliminated them slowly so everyone could

few and far between. Most days he was anxious

adjust. Now theyre burning down buildings.

about the state of the country, and he had to fake

Is there a way to regulate this? Could we create

his smiles when reporters came by, hoping that

a board to oversee grievances? I looked at the

his sense of calm would somehow spread to

photo again. In the corner, the young son of the

everyone else. Mom helped shoulder the burden,

restaurant owner wept over losing everything. In

but at the end of the day the fate of the country

my heart I knew complaints would come in

was placed squarely on his back. One day it

faster than anyone could address them, but I

would be on mine.

also knew Dad couldnt bear doing nothing.

Vain as it was, I worried I would go gray

Dad looked at me. Is that what you would do?

prematurely.

I smiled. No, Id ask my father what he would

Make a note for me, Eadlyn. Remind me to

do.

write Governor Harpen in Zuni. Oh, and put to

He sighed. That wont always be an option for

write it to Joshua Harpen, not his father. I keep

you, Eadlyn. You need to be strong, decisive.

forgetting he was the one who ran in the last

How would you fix this one particular

election.

incident?

tirelessly

to

improve

or

seeing

I wrote his instructions in my elegant cursive,

I noted the deep furrow in his brow. Dad, I

thinking how pleased Dad would be when he

dont think thats possible.

looked at it later. He used to give me the worst

He chuckled. Weve done it before. I can

time over my penmanship.

remember. . . .

I was grinning to myself when I looked back at

The focus in his eyes changed. He watched me

him, but my face fell almost immediately when

for a moment, seeming to ask me a question

I saw him rubbing his forehead, trying so

without words.

desperately to think of a solution to these

Dad?

problems.

Yes.

Dad?

Are you all right?

He

turned

and

instinctively

squared

his

He blinked a few times. Yes, dear, quite all

shoulders, like he needed to act strong even in

right. Why dont you get to work on those

front of me.

budget cuts. We can go over your ideas this

Why do you think this is happening? It wasnt

afternoon. I need to speak with your mother.

always like this.

Sure. Math wasnt a skill that came to me

He raised his eyebrows. It certainly wasnt, he

naturally, so I had to work twice as long on any

said, almost to himself. At first everyone

proposals for budget cuts or financial plans. But

seemed pleased. Every time we removed a new

I absolutely refused to have one of Dads

caste, people held parties. Its only been in the

advisers come behind me with a calculator to

last few years, since all the labels have officially

clean up my mess. Even if I had to stay up all

been erased, that its gone downhill.

night, I always made sure my work was

He stared back out the window. The only thing

accurate.

I can think is that those who grew up with the

Of course, Ahren was naturally good at math,

castes are aware of how much better this is.

but he was never forced to sit through meetings

Comparatively, its easier to marry or work. A

about budgets or rezoning or health care. He got

familys finances arent capped by a single

off scot-free by seven stupid minutes.

profession. There are more choices when it

Dad patted me on the shoulder before dashing

comes to education. But those who are growing

out of the room. It took me longer than usual to

up without the castes and are still running into

focus on the numbers. I couldnt help but be

opposition . . . I guess they dont know what

distracted by the look on his face and the

else to do.

unmistakable certainty that it was tied to me.

He looked at me and shrugged. I need time,

he muttered. I need a way to put things on
pause, set them right, and press play again.

CHAPTER 2

I stood, throwing my blazer back on to look

AFTER WORKING ON THE BUDGET report for a

presentable, and gave a nod to Neena to let my

few hours, I decided I needed a break and retreated

guests in.

to my room to get a hand massage from Neena. I

Mom came around the door, smiling, with Dad

loved those little bits of luxury in my day. Dresses

contentedly trailing her steps. I couldnt help but

made to my exact measurements, exotic desserts

notice it was always this way. At state events or

flown in simply because it was Thursday, and an

important dinners, Mom was beside Dad or situated

endless supply of beautiful things were all perks;

right behind him. But when they were just husband

and they were easily my favorite parts of the job.

and wifenot king and queenhe followed her

My room overlooked the gardens. As the day

everywhere.

shifted, the light changed to a warm, honey color,

Hi, Mom. I walked over to hug her.

brightening the high walls. I focused on the heat and

Mom tucked my hair behind my ear, smiling at me.

Neenas deliberate fingers.

I like this look.

Anyway, his face got all funny. It was kind of like

I stood back proudly and smoothed out my dress

he disappeared for a minute.

with my hands. The bracelets really set it off, dont

I was trying to explain Dads out-of-character

you think?

departure this morning, but it was hard to get it

She giggled. Excellent attention to detail. Every

across. I didnt even know if he found Mom or not,

once in a while Mom let me pick out jewelry or

as he never came back to the office.

shoes for her, but it was rare. Mom didnt find it as

Do you think hes sick? He does seem tired these

much fun as I did, and she didnt rely on the extras

days. Neenas hands worked her magic as she

for beauty. In her case, she really didnt need it. I

spoke.

liked that she was classic.

Does he? I asked, thinking that Dad didnt seem

Mom turned and touched Neenas shoulder. Youre

tired exactly. Hes probably just stressed. How

excused, she said quietly.

could he not be with all the decisions he has to

Neena instantly curtsied and left us alone.

make?

Is something wrong? I asked.

And someday that will be you, she commented,

No, sweetheart. We simply want to speak in

her tone a mix of genuine worry and playful

private. Dad held out a hand and ushered us all to

amusement.

the table. We have an opportunity to talk to you

Which means you will be giving me twice as many

about.

massages.

Opportunity? Are we traveling? I adored traveling.

I dont know, she said. I think in a few years I

Please tell me were finally going on a beach trip.

might like to try something new.

Could it just be the six of us?

I scrunched my face. What else would you do?

Not exactly. We wouldnt be going somewhere so

There arent many positions better than working in

much as having visitors, Mom explained.

the palace.

Oh! Company! Whos coming?

There was a knock on the door, and she didnt have a

They exchanged glances, then Mom continued

chance to answer the question.

talking. You know that things are precarious right

now. The people are restless and unhappy, and we

to embrace personal hygiene by the Christmas party,

cannot figure out how to ease the tension.

he shouldnt be invited.

I sighed. I know.

Mom rubbed the side of her head in frustration.

Were seeking a way to boost morale, Dad added.

Eadlyn, youve always been so picky.

I perked up. Morale boosting typically involved a

Dad shrugged. Maybe thats not a bad thing, he

celebration. And I was always up for a party.

said, earning a glare from Mom.

What did you have in mind? I started designing a

I frowned. What in the world are you talking

new dress in my head and dismissed it almost as

about?

quickly. That wasnt what needed my attention at the

You know how your mother and I met, Dad began.

moment.

I rolled my eyes. Everyone does. You two are

Well, Dad started, the public responds best to

practically a fairy tale.

something positive with our family. When your

At those words their eyes went soft, and smiles

mother and I were married, it was one of the best

washed over their faces. Their bodies seemed to tilt

seasons in our country. And do you remember how

slightly toward each other, and Dad bit his lip

people threw parties in the street when they found

looking at Mom.

out Osten was coming?

Excuse me. Firstborn in the room, do you mind?

I smiled. I was eight when Osten was born, and Id

Mom blushed as Dad cleared his throat and

never forget how excited everyone got just over the

continued.

announcement. I heard music playing from my

successful for us. And though my parents had their

bedroom practically until dawn.

problems, it worked well for them, too. So . . . we

That was marvelous.

were hoping. . . . He hesitated and met my eyes.

It was. And now the people look to you. It wont be

I was slow to pick up on their hints. I knew what the

long before youre queen. Dad paused. We

Selection was, but never, not even once, had it been

thought that perhaps youd be willing to do

suggested as an option for any of us, let alone me.

something publicly, something that would be

No.

exciting for the people but also might be very

Mom put up her hands, cautioning me. Just listen

beneficial to you.

I narrowed my eyes, not sure where this was going.

A Selection? I burst out. Thats insane!

Im listening.

Eadlyn, youre being irrational.

Mom cleared her throat. You know that in the past,

I glared at her. You promisedyou promised

princesses were married off to princes from other

youd never force me into marrying someone for an

countries to solidify our international relations.

alliance. How is this any better?

I did hear you use the past tense there, correct?

Hear us out, she urged.

She laughed, but I wasnt amused. Yes.

No! I shouted. I wont do it.

Good. Because Prince Nathaniel looks like a

Calm down, love.

zombie, Prince Hector dances like a zombie, and if

Dont talk to me like that. Im not a child!

the prince from the German Federation doesnt learn

Mom sighed. Youre certainly acting like one.

The

Selection process

was

very

Youre ruining my life! I ran my fingers through

Mom reached across the table and put her hand on

my hair and took several deep breaths, hoping it

mine. No one would be doing anything to you. You

would help me think. This couldnt happen. Not to

would be doing something for your people. Youd be

me.

giving them a gift.

Its a huge opportunity, Dad insisted.

You mean faking a smile when Id rather cry?

Youre trying to shackle me to a stranger!

She gave me a fleeting frown. That has always

I told you shed be stubborn, Mom muttered to

been part of our job.

Dad.

I stared at her, silently demanding a better answer.

Wonder where she gets that from, he shot back

Eadlyn, why dont you take some time to think this

with a smile.

over? Dad said calmly. I know this is a big thing

Dont talk about me like Im not in the room!

were asking of you.

Im sorry, Dad said. We just need you to consider

Does that mean I have a choice?

this.

Dad inhaled deeply, considering. Well, love, youll

What about Ahren? Cant he do it?

really have thirty-five choices.

Ahren isnt going to be the future king. Besides, he

I leaped up from my chair, pointing toward the door.

has Camille.

Get out! I demanded. Get! Out!

Princess Camille was the heir to the French throne,

Without another word they left my room.

and a few years ago shed managed to bat her lashes

Didnt they know who I was, what theyd trained me

all the way into Ahrens heart.

for? I was Eadlyn Schreave. No one was more

Then make them get married! I pleaded.

powerful than me.

Camille will be queen when her time comes, and

So if they thought I was going down without a fight,

she, like you, will have to ask her partner to marry

they were sadly mistaken.

her. If it was Ahrens choice, wed consider it; but

its not.

CHAPTER 3

What about Kaden? Cant you have him do it?

I DECIDED TO TAKE DINNER in my room. I

Mom laughed humorlessly. Hes fourteen! We dont

didnt feel like seeing my family at the moment. I

have that kind of time. The people need something

was irate with all of them. At my parents for being

to be excited about now. She narrowed her eyes at

happy, at Ahren for not picking up the pace eighteen

me. And, honestly, isnt it time you look for

years ago, at Kaden and Osten for being so young.

someone to rule beside you?

Neena circled me, filling my cup as she spoke. Do

Dad nodded. Its true. Its not a role that should be

you think youll go through with it, miss? she

shouldered alone.

asked.

But I dont want to get married, I pleaded. Please

Im still trying to figure a way out.

dont make me do this. Im only eighteen.

What if you said you were already in love with

Which is how old I was when I married your

somebody?

father, Mom stated.

I shook my head as I poked at my food. I insulted

Im not ready, I urged. I dont want a husband.

my three most likely candidates right in front of

Please dont do this to me.

them.

She set a small plate of chocolates in the middle of

Ahren peeked over his shoulder at me, and I could

the table, guessing correctly that Id probably want

see he was already planning to give in. He used his

those more than the caviar-garnished salmon.

foot to push out the seat next to him casually. Step

Perhaps a guard then? Happens to the maids often

into my office.

enough, she suggested with a giggle.

Sitting, I sighed. What are you writing?

I scoffed. Thats fine for them, but Im not that

He quickly piled papers on top of the one hed been

desperate.

working on. A letter to Camille.

Her laughter faded.

You know you could simply phone her.

I saw immediately that I had offended her, but that

He grinned. Oh, I will. But then Ill send her this,

was the truth. I couldnt settle for any old person, let

too.

alone a guard. Even considering it was a waste of

That makes no sense. What could you possibly

time. I needed a way out of this whole situation.

have to talk about that would fill an entire phone call

I dont mean it like that, Neena. Its just that people

and a letter?

expect certain things from me.

He tilted his head. For your information, they serve

Of course.

different purposes. The calls are for updates and to

Im done. You can go for the night; Ill leave the

see how her day went. The letters are for the things I

cart in the hallway.

cant always say out loud.

She nodded and left without another word.

Oh, really? I leaned over, reaching for the paper.

I grazed on the chocolates before completely giving

Before I could even get close, Ahrens hand gripped

up on the food and slipped into my nightgown. I

my wrist. I will murder you, he vowed.

couldnt reason with Mom and Dad right now, and

Good, I shot. Then you can be the heir, and you

Neena didnt understand. I needed to talk to the only

can go through a Selection and kiss your precious

person who might see my side, the person who

Camille good-bye.

sometimes felt like he was half of me. I needed

He scrunched his forehead. What?

Ahren.

I slumped back into my chair. Mom and Dad need

Are you busy? I asked, cracking open his door.

to boost morale. Theyve decided that, for the sake

Ahren was sitting at his desk, writing. His blond hair

of Illa, I said in mock patriotism, I need to go

was end-of-the-day messy, but his eyes were far

through a Selection.

from tired, and he looked so much like the pictures

I was expecting abject horror. Perhaps a sympathetic

of Dad when he was younger it was eerie. He was

hand on my shoulder. But Ahren threw back his head

still dressed from dinner but had taken off his coat

and laughed.

and tie, settling in for the evening. Knock, for

Ahren!

goodness sake.

He continued to howl, pitching himself forward and

I know, I know; but its an emergency.

hitting his knee.

Then get a guard, he snapped back, returning to

Youre going to wrinkle your suit, I warned, which

his papers.

only made him laugh harder. For goodness sake,

Thats already been suggested, I muttered to

stop it! What am I supposed to do?

myself. Im serious, Ahren; I need your help.

As if I know! I cant believe they think this would

I paused, thinking. How could I explain what we

even work, he added, his smile still not fading.

could only really guess at? Well, I grew up being

Whats that supposed to mean?

told I was going to be queen one day. That was it.

He shrugged. I dont know. I guess I thought, if you

No choice. You grew up knowing you had options.

ever did get married, itd be down the line. I think

You could go into the military, you could become an

everyone assumed that.

ambassador, you could do plenty of things. But what

And what is that supposed to mean?

if that wasnt really happening? What if you didnt

The warm touch Id been hoping for finally came as

have all the opportunities you thought you would?

he reached for my hand. Come on, Eady. Youve

Huh, he said, following. So theyre being denied

always been independent. Its the queen in you. You

jobs?

like to be in charge, do things on your own. I didnt

Jobs, education, money. Ive heard of people

think youd partner up with anyone until you at least

refusing to let their kids get married because of old

got to reign for a while.

castes. Nothing is happening the way Dad thought it

Not like I really had a choice in the first place, I

would, and its nearly impossible to control. Can we

mumbled, tilting my head to the floor but still

force people to be fair?

looking to my brother.

And thats what Dads trying to figure out now? he

He gave me a little pout. Poor little princess. Dont

asked, skeptical.

want to rule the world?

Yes, and Im the smoke-and-mirror act diverting

I swatted his hand away. Seven minutes. It should

their attention while he comes up with a plan.

have been you. Id much rather sit alone and scribble

He chuckled. That makes much more sense than

away instead of do all that stupid paperwork. And

you suddenly being romantically inclined.

this ridiculous Selection nonsense! Cant you see

I cocked my head. Let it go, Ahren. So Im not

how dreadful this is?

interested in marriage. Why does that matter? Other

How did you get roped into this anyway? I thought

women can stay single.

theyd done away with it.

But other women arent expected to produce an

I rolled my eyes again. It has absolutely nothing to

heir.

do with me. Thats the worst part. Dads facing

I hit him again. Help me! What do I do?

public opposition, so hes trying to distract them. I

His eyes searched mine, and I knew, as easily as I

shook my head. Its getting really bad, Ahren.

could read any emotion in him, that he saw I was

People are destroying homes and businesses. Some

terrified. Not irritated or angry. Not outraged or

have died. Dad isnt completely sure where its

repulsed.

coming from, but he thinks its people our age, the

I was scared.

generation that grew up without castes, causing most

It was one thing to be expected to rule, to hold the

of it.

weight of millions of people in my hands. That was

He made a face. That doesnt make sense. How

a job, a task. I could check things off lists, delegate.

could growing up without those restrictions make

But this was much more personal, one more piece of

you upset?

my life that ought to be mine but wasnt.

His playful smile disappeared, and he pulled his

As I rounded the corner, I ran smack into someone,

chair closer to mine. If theyre looking to distract

falling backward onto the carpet.

people, maybe you could suggest other . . .

Ow! I complained, looking up to see Kile

opportunities. A possible marriage isnt the only

Woodwork, Miss Marlees son.

choice. That said, if Mom and Dad came to this

Kile and the rest of the Woodworks had rooms on

conclusion, they might have already exhausted every

the same floor as our family, a singularly huge

other option.

honor. Or irritation, depending on how one felt about

I buried my head in my hands. I didnt want to tell

the Woodworks.

him I tried to offer up him as an alternative or that I

Do you mind? I snapped.

thought Kaden might even be acceptable. I sensed he

I wasnt the one running, he answered, picking up

was right, that the Selection was their last hope.

the books hed dropped. You ought to be looking

Heres the thing, Eady. Youll be the first girl to

where youre going.

hold the throne fully in her own right. And people

A gentleman would offer his hand right now, I

expect a lot from you.

reminded him.

Like I dont already know that.

Kiles hair flopped across his eyes as he looked over

But, he continued, that also gives you a lot of

at me. He was in desperate need of a cut and a shave,

bargaining power.

and his shirt was too big for him. I didnt know who

I raised my head marginally. What do you mean?

I was more embarrassed for: him for looking so

If they really need you to do this, then negotiate.

sloppy or my family for having to be seen with such

I sat up straight, my mind running around in circles,

a disaster.

trying to think of what I could ask for. There might

What was especially irritating was that he wasnt

be a way to get through this quickly, without it even

always so scruffy, and he didnt have to be now.

ending in a proposal.

How hard would it be to run a brush through his

Without a proposal!

hair?

If I spoke fast enough, I could probably get Dad to

Eadlyn, youve never thought I was a gentleman.

agree to practically anything so long as he got his

True. I pulled myself up without help and brushed

Selection out of it.

off my robe.

Negotiate! I whispered.

For the last six months I had been spared Kiles less-

Exactly.

than-thrilling company. Hed gone to Fennley to

I stood up, grabbed Ahren by his ears, and planted a

enroll in some accelerated course, and his mother

kiss on his forehead. You are my absolute hero!

had been lamenting his absence ever since the day

He smiled. Anything for you, my queen.

he left. I didnt know what he was studying, and I

I giggled, shoving him. Thanks, Ahren.

didnt particularly care. But he was back now, and

Get to work. He waved me toward the door, and I

his presence was another stressor on an ever-

suspected he was actually more eager to get back to

growing list.

his letter than he was for me to come up with a plan.

And what would make such a lady run like that in

I dashed from the room, heading to my own to fetch

the first place?

some paper. I needed to think.

Matters you are far too dim to comprehend.

He laughed. Right, because Im such a simpleton.

Hed told me a handful of vague stories about one

Its a miracle I manage to bathe myself.

girl whod been so pliable he could hardly stand her

I was about to ask if he did bathe, because he looked

and another who had tried to manipulate the process

like hed been running away from anything that

at every turn. I didnt know many names or details,

resembled a bar of soap.

and that was fine with me. I had never liked to

I hope one of those books is a primer on etiquette.

imagine Dad possibly falling in love with anyone

You seriously need a refresher.

but Mom.

Youre not queen yet, Eadlyn. Take it down a

And dont you think that as the first woman to fully

notch. He walked away, and I was furious with

control the crown, there should be . . . some

myself for not getting the last word.

standards set for who might rule beside me?

I pressed on. There were bigger problems in my life

He tilted his head. Go on.

right now than the state of Kiles manners. I couldnt

Im sure theres some sort of vetting process in

waste my time quibbling with people or being

place to make sure an actual psychopath doesnt

distracted by anything that couldnt put the Selection

make his way into the palace, yes?

to death.

Of course. He grinned as if this wasnt a valid

concern.

CHAPTER 4

But I dont trust just anyone to do this job with me.

I WANT TO BE CLEAR, I said, sitting down in

SoI sighed deeplyI will agree to go through

Dads office. I have no desire to get married.

with this ridiculous stunt if you make me a few tiny

He nodded. I understand that you dont want to get

promises.

married today, but it was always something youd

Its not a stunt. Its had an excellent track record.

have to do, Eadlyn. Youre obligated to continue the

But please, dear girl, tell me what you want.

royal line.

First, I want the contestants to have the freedom to

I hated it when he talked about my future like that,

leave of their own free will. I wont have someone

like sex and love and babies werent happy things

feeling obligated to stay if they dont care for me or

but duties performed to keep the country running. It

the life theyd have to lead in the palace.

took every speck of joy out of the prospect.

I fully agree to that, he said forcefully. Seemed

Of all the things in my life, shouldnt those be the

like I had touched a nerve.

real pleasures, the best parts?

Excellent. And I know you might be opposed to the

I shook the worry away and focused on the task at

idea, but if by the end of this I cant find anyone

hand.

suitable, then we call the whole thing off. No prince,

I understand. And I agree that its important, I

no wedding.

replied diplomatically. But werent you ever

Ah! he said, leaning forward in his chair and

worried when you went through your Selection that

pointing a calculating finger at me. If I allow that,

no one in the pool was right for you? Or that maybe

youll turn them all away the first day. You wont

they were there for the wrong reason?

even try!

His lips hitched up in a smile. Every waking

I paused, thinking. What if I guaranteed you a

moment, and half the time I slept.

timeline? I would keep the Selection running for,

say, three months and weigh my options for at least

get most of the boys to leave of their own volition. I

that amount of time. After then, if I havent found a

could be intimidating when I needed to be or find

suitable match, all the contestants are released.

ways to make the palace a very unwelcoming

He ran his hand across his mouth and shifted in his

environment. I also had a secret weapon in Osten,

chair a little before pressing his eyes into mine.

who was the most mischievous of us all and would

Eadlyn, you know how important this is, dont

help me if I asked him to, probably with minimal

you?

persuasion.

Of course, I replied instantly, very aware of how

I admired the thought of a common boy feeling

serious this was. I sensed one wrong move would set

brave enough to face the challenge of becoming a

my life on a course I could never correct.

prince. But no one was going to tie me down before

You need to do this and do it well. For everyones

I was ready, and I was going to make sure those poor

sake. Our lives, all of them, are given over in service

suckers knew what they were signing up for.

to our people.

They kept the studio cold, but once the lights came

I looked away. If anything, it felt like Mom, Dad,

on, we might as well have been in an oven for all the

and I were the trinity of sacrifice here, with the

good it did. Id learned years ago to keep my

others doing as they pleased.

clothing choices for the Report airy, which was why

I wont let you down, I promised. You do what

my dress tonight fell off my shoulders. My look was

you must. Make your plans, find a way to appease

classy, as always, but not something that would

our public, and I will give you an acceptable

subject me to a heatstroke.

window of time to pull it all together.

Thats the perfect dress, Mom commented, pulling

His eyes darted toward the ceiling in thought. Three

at the little ruffles on the sleeves. You look lovely.

months? And you swear youll try?

Thank you. So do you.

I held up my hand. I give you my word. Ill even

She smiled as she continued to straighten my dress.

sign something if you like, but I cant promise you

Thank you, sweetheart. I know youre feeling a

Ill fall in love.

little overwhelmed, but I think a Selection will be

Wouldnt be so sure if I was you, he said

good for everyone. Youre alone a lot, and its

knowingly. But I wasnt him, and I wasnt Mom. No

something we would have to think about eventually,

matter how romantic he thought this was, all I could

and

think of were the thirty-five loud, obnoxious, weird-

And it will make the people happy. I know.

smelling boys who were about to invade my home.

I tried to hide the misery in my voice. We had

Nothing about that sounded magical.

technically moved past selling off the royal

Its a deal.

daughters, but . . . this didnt feel that different.

I stood, practically ready to dance. Really?

Didnt she get that?

Really.

Her eyes moved from the gown to my face.

I took his hand and sealed my future with a single

Something in them told me she was sorry.

shake. Thank you, Dad.

I know you feel like this is a sacrifice; and its true

I left the room before he could see how big my smile

that when you live a life of service, there are many

was. I had already been running through how I could

things you do, not because you want to, but because

you must. She swallowed. But through this I

insomnia, Id hire him to sit in my room and talk.

found your father, and I found my closest friends,

Problem solved. And Josie . . . I didnt have words

and I learned that I was stronger than I ever thought

for how wretched that girl was.

I could be. I know about the agreement you made

Dads advisers filed in, bowing as they came. There

with your dad, and if this ends without you finding

was only one woman in Dads cabinet, Lady Brice

the right person, so be it. But please, let yourself

Mannor. She was lovely and petite, and I was never

experience something here. Sharpen yourself, learn

sure how someone so demure managed to stay afloat

something. And try not to hate us for asking you to

in the political arena. Id never heard her raise her

do it.

voice or get angry, but people listened to her. The

I dont hate you.

men didnt listen to me unless I was stern.

You at least considered it when we proposed this,

Her presence made me curious though. What would

she said with a grin. Didnt you?

happen if I, as queen, made my entire board of

Im eighteen. Im genetically encoded to fight with

counselors women?

my parents.

That might be an interesting experiment.

I dont mind a good fight so long as you still know

The

how much I love you in the end.

announcements and updates, and finally, Gavril

I reached to hug her. And I love you. Promise.

turned to me.

She held me for a moment, then pulled away,

Gavril Fadaye had slicked-back silver hair but a very

smoothing my dress to make sure I was still

handsome face. Hed been talking recently about

immaculate before she went to find Dad. I walked to

retirement, but after an announcement this big, hed

take my seat next to Ahren, who wiggled his

have to stick around a bit longer.

eyebrows at me teasingly. Looking good, sis.

Tonight, Illa, to conclude our program, we have

Practically bridal.

some very exciting news. And there is no one better

I swung my skirt and sat down gracefully. One

to deliver it than our future queen, the beautiful

more word and I will shave your head in your

Eadlyn Schreave.

sleep.

He swept his hand grandly in my direction, and I

I love you, too.

smiled widely as I walked across the carpeted stage

I tried not to smile but failed. He just always knew.

to polite applause.

The room filled with the palace household. Miss

Gavril gave me a quick embrace and a kiss on each

Lucy sat alone, as General Leger was on rounds, and

cheek. Princess Eadlyn, welcome.

Mr. and Mrs. Woodwork sat behind the cameras with

Thanks, Gavril.

Kile and Josie. They were the Woodworks only

Now, I have to be honest. It feels like only

children, and I knew Miss Marlee meant the world

yesterday I was announcing the birth of you and

to Mom, so I kept it to myself that I thought her kids

your brother Ahren. I cant believe its been more

were the absolute worst. Kile wasnt as obnoxious as

than eighteen years!

Josie, but, in all the years Id known him, hed never

Its true. Were all grown up. I looked toward my

made anything remotely close to an interesting

family, sharing a warm gaze.

conversation. So help me, if I ever got a bad case of

chairmen

and

advisers

delivered

their

Youre on the edge of making history. I think all of

person who was already in on this was Gavril, which

Illa is eager to see what youll do a few years down

surprised me.

the road when you become queen.

Tomorrow, letters will be sent to all the eligible

Thatll certainly be an exciting time, but Im not

young men in Illa. Youll have two weeks to decide

sure I want to wait that long to make history. I gave

whether you would like to compete for my hand. I

him a playful nudge with my elbow, and he mocked

realize, of course, that this is uncharted territory.

surprise.

Weve never had a female-run Selection before.

Why dont you tell us what you have in mind, Your

Still, even though I have three brothers, Im very

Highness?

excited to meet another prince of Illa. And Im

I squared my shoulders in front of camera C and

hoping that all of Illa will celebrate with me.

smiled. Our great country has gone through many

I gave a small curtsy and retreated to my seat. Mom

changes over the years. In my parents lifetimes

and Dad were beaming proudly at me, and I tried to

alone weve seen the rebel forces within our country

tell myself that their reaction was enough, though I

practically run into extinction, and though we still

felt like my blood was trembling in my veins. I

face challenges, the caste system no longer divides

couldnt help but think Id missed something, that

our people along imaginary lines. We live in an era

there was a gaping hole in the net Id set up to catch

of extraordinary freedom, and we wait with

myself.

anticipation to see our nation become everything it

But there was nothing I could do. Id just thrown

possibly can.

myself off the ledge.

I remembered to smile and speak articulately. Years

of lessons on how to address an audience had drilled

CHAPTER 5

the proper technique into me, and I knew I was

I KNEW WE HAD AN arsenal of staff working at

hitting every last point I was meant to as I delivered

the palace, but I was convinced the majority of them

my announcement.

had been in hiding until today. As the announcement

And thats great . . . but Im still an eighteen-year-

of this unexpected Selection spread, it wasnt simply

old girl. The small audience of guests and advisers

the maids and butlers running around in preparation,

giggled. It gets a little boring when you spend the

but people Id never even seen before.

majority of the day in an office with your dad. No

My daily workload of reading reports and sitting in

offense, Your Majesty, I added, turning to Dad.

on meetings shifted as I became the focal point of

None taken, he called back.

the Selection preparations.

And so Ive decided its time for a change of pace.

This is slightly less expensive, Your Highness, but

Its time to search, not just for someone to be a

it is still incredibly comfortable and would work

coworker with me in this very demanding job, but

well with the existing decor. A man held out a very

for a partner to walk with me through life. To do

large swatch of fabric, which he draped over the

that, Im hoping Illa will indulge my deepest wish:

previous two options.

to have a Selection.

I touched it, enchanted by the texture of cloth as I

The advisers gasped and muttered. I saw the shocked

usually was, though this was clearly not intended to

faces of the staff. It became clear that the only

be worn.

Im not sure I understand why were doing this, I

dinner once your suitors arrive. We want to serve

confessed.

seven courses, obviously.

The man, one of the palace decorators, pressed his

Of course! Mom replied.

lips together. It has been suggested that some of the

The chef smiled at her. Naturally, we would like

guest rooms are a bit feminine and that your suitors

your approval for the final menu.

might be more comfortable in something like this,

I groaned internally. A true seven-course meal could

he said, pulling out yet another option. We can

take six hours from the first sip of a cocktail to the

make a room look entirely different with a simple

final bite of chocolate. How long would it take to

bedspread, he assured me.

sample several different options for each course?

Fine, I said, thinking it was a little unnecessary to

About eight hours, it turned out, and I had a dreadful

get this worked up over some sheets. But do I need

stomachache for the rest of the day, which made me

to make this decision?

less than enthusiastic when someone came asking

He smiled kindly. Your fingerprints will be all over

about music selections for the evening of the first

this Selection, miss. Even if you dont choose,

dinner.

people will assume you did. We might as well get

The hallways were like crowded streets, and every

your authority on all things.

corner of the palace was noisy with speedy

I stared at the fabric, more than a little exhausted

preparations. I endured it as best I could until Dad

thinking about how all these silly details would point

stopped me in passing one day.

back to me. This one. I chose the least-expensive

We were thinking about making a special room for

option. It was a deep green and would be perfectly

the Selected. What do you think about

acceptable for a three-month stay.

Enough! I sighed, exasperated. I dont care. I

Very

wise,

Your

Highness,

the

decorator

have no idea what a boy would like in a recreational

complimented. Now, should we consider adding

space, so I suggest you ask someone with some

new art as well? He clapped his hands, and a stream

testosterone. And as for me, Ill be in the garden.

of maids walked in carrying paintings. I sighed,

Dad could tell I was near a breaking point, and he let

knowing my afternoon was lost.

me pass without a fight. I was thankful for the

The following morning I was summoned to the

momentary respite.

dining hall. Mom came with me, but Dad couldnt

I lay on my stomach in my bikini on a blanket in the

be pulled away from his work.

open stretch of grass that spread out just before the

A man I assumed was our head chef bowed to us,

forest. I wished, as I had so many times before, that

not able to go very low because of his wide stomach.

we had a pool. I was pretty good at getting my way,

His face was closer to red than white, but he didnt

but Dad never budged on the pool issue. When the

sweat, which made me think that all the years in the

palace was mine, that was the first thing on the

kitchen had simply steamed him.

agenda.

Thank you for joining us, Your Majesty, Your

I sketched dresses in my book, trying to relax. As the

Highness. The kitchen staff has been working day

sun warmed me, the quick scratch of my pencil

and night to find appropriate options for the first

blended with the sound of rustling leaves, making a

lovely, tranquil song. I mourned the loss of peace in

my life. Three months, I recited. Three months, and

I wasnt going to holler like a farmhand, so I said

then everything goes back to normal.

nothing. Eventually, Josie and her friend were

A piercing laugh polluted the stillness of the garden.

standing above me, blocking the sun.

Josie, I muttered to myself. Shading my eyes, I

Didnt you hear me, Eadlyn? Arent you excited for

turned and saw her walking toward me. She was

the Selection?

with one of her friends, an upper-class girl shed

Josie never addressed me properly.

chosen to associate with specifically because the

Of course.

company in the palace wasnt enough for her.

Me, too! I think itll be exciting to have all the

I closed my book, hiding my designs, and turned

company.

onto my back simply to take in the sun.

You wont have any company, I reminded her.

It will be a good experience for everyone, I heard

These boys are my guests.

Josie remark to her friend. I dont get to interact

She tipped her head like I was stating the obvious. I

with boys very often, so itll be nice to have an

know! But itll still be nice to have more people

opportunity to talk to some. One day, when my

around.

wedding is arranged, Id like to be able to carry on a

Josie, how old are you?

conversation.

Fifteen, she answered proudly.

I rolled my eyes. If I thought Id have the slightest

I thought so. If you really want to, Im sure you

attachment to these boys, it would have bothered me

could get out and meet people of your own accord

that she thought they were here for her. Then again,

now. Youre certainly old enough.

Josie thought everything existed for her. And the

She smiled. I dont think so. Thats not exactly

idea that she was so important that her marriage

appropriate.

would need to be arranged on her behalf was

I didnt want to get into this argument again. I was

comical. She could marry anyone off the street and

the one who couldnt pick up and leave the palace

no one would care one way or the other.

without

I hope Ill be able to visit during the Selection, her

announcements, and protocol reviews were all

friend replied. Itll be so fun!

necessary before I could even consider it.

Of course, Shannon! Ill make sure all my friends

Also, I constantly had to be aware of the company I

get to come often. Itll be valuable for you as well.

kept. I couldnt be seen with just anyone. An

How kind of her to offer up my home and events as

unflattering picture wasnt simply taken; it was

learning opportunities for her little buddies. I took a

documented, stored, and resurrected whenever the

deep breath. I needed to focus on relaxing.

newspapers needed to criticize me. I had to be

Eadlyn! Josie cried, spotting me.

relentlessly on my toes to avoid anything that could

I groaned, then raised a hand to acknowledge her,

possibly tarnish my image, my familys image, or

hoping the silence would convey my wish for

the country at large.

privacy.

Josie was a commoner. She didnt have any such

How excited are you for the Selection? she yelled,

restrictions.

continuing over.

Not that it stopped her from acting like she did.

warning.

Security

sweeps,

proper

Well, at least you have some company for today,

stumbling across them when she came inside, with

then. If you two dont mind, Im trying to rest.

no clue as to how theyd gotten there or who had

Certainly, Your Highness. Her friend bowed her

seen them.

head. Okay, she wasnt too bad.

Ill see you at dinner! Josie was a little too

For someone who prided herself on being so close to

enthusiastic about it.

the royal family, she really should have learned a

I tried to lull myself back into relaxation, but Josies

lesson or two in discretion by now.

piercing voice kept finding its way over to me, and I

When I got to my room, Neena was at the ready,

eventually scooped up my blanket and sketches, and

grabbing my blanket to place in the wash. I threw

headed inside. If I couldnt enjoy myself here, I

something on, not really in the mood to think about

might as well figure out something else to do.

my outfit too much today. As I was about to fix my

After being so exposed to the bright Angeles sun, the

hair, I noticed some files on the table.

palace halls looked like twilight as I waited for my

Lady Brice dropped those off for you, Neena said.

eyes to adjust. I blinked hard, trying to make out the

I stared at the folders. Though it was my first piece

face of the person coming toward me. It was Osten,

of actual work in a week, I couldnt be bothered.

carrying two notebooks as he rushed down the hall.

Ill get to them later, I promised, knowing that I

He shoved the books into my arms. Hide these in

probably wouldnt. Id maybe look at them

your room, okay? And if anyone asks, you havent

tomorrow. Today was mine.

seen me.

I pinned back my hair, double-checked my makeup,

As quickly as he appeared, he vanished. I sighed,

and went to look for Mom. I could use the company,

knowing that even attempting to comprehend would

and I felt pretty confident that she wouldnt ask me

be pointless. I sometimes couldnt stand the pressure

to pick out furniture or food.

placed on me from being born first, but thank

I found her alone in the Womens Room. A plaque

goodness it was me and not Osten. Every time I tried

beside the door declared that the space was actually

to imagine him at the helm, it gave me a headache.

titled the Newsome Library, but Id never heard

I flipped through the notebooks, curious as to what

anyone call it by that name except for Mom on

he was plotting. Turned out they werent his at all.

occasion. It was the space where the women

They were Josies. I recognized her babyish

congregated, so the original label seemed more

handwriting, and, if that hadnt given it away, the

practical, I supposed.

sheets of her and Ahrens names in hearts made it all

I could tell Mom was in there before I even opened

too obvious. It wasnt just Ahrens name though. A

the door because I heard her playing the piano, and

few pages later she was in love with all four

her sound was unmistakable. She loved to tell the

members of Choosing Yesterday, a popular band,

story of how Dad made her pick out four brand-new

and just after that it was some actor. Anyone with

pianos, each with various attributes, after they were

any sort of clout would do, it seemed.

married. They were placed all over the palace. One

I decided to set the books on the floor by the doors

was in her suite, a second in Dads, one here, and

to the garden. Whatever Osten had planned, there

another in a largely unused parlor on the fourth floor.

was no way it would be as distressing as her

I was still jealous of how easy she made it look. I

I think I would have been fine. Not unhappy exactly,

remembered her warning me that one day time

but not aware of what else there could have been for

would take the dexterity out of her hands, and shed

me. But the path to him was a difficult one, mostly

only be able to plunk away at one or two keys at a

because I didnt want to walk it.

time. So far time had failed.

At all?

I tried to be quiet, but she heard me all the same.

She shook her head. It wasnt my idea to enter the

Hello, darling, she called, pulling her fingers away

Selection.

from the keys. Come sit with me.

My mouth fell open. Shed never told me that.

I didnt mean to interrupt. I walked across the

Whose was it?

room, settling next to her on the bench.

Thats not important, she answered quickly. But I

You didnt. I was clearing my head, and I feel much

can tell you that I understand your reservations. I

better now.

think the process will teach you a lot about yourself.

Is something wrong?

I hope youll trust me on this.

She smiled distractedly and rubbed her hand over

Itd be a lot easier to trust you if I knew you were

my back. No. Just the everyday wear and tear of the

doing this for me and not to buy yourself some

job.

peace. The words came out sharper than I meant

I know what you mean, I said, running my fingers

them to.

along the keys, not actually making any sound.

She took a deep breath. I know you think this is

I keep thinking that Ive gotten to a point where

selfish, but youll see. One day the welfare of the

Ive seen it all, where Ive mastered everything

country will be on your shoulders, and youll be

about being queen. No sooner do I think it than

surprised at what youd try in order to keep it all

everything changes. There are . . . Well, you have

from crumbling. I never thought wed have another

enough to worry about today. Lets not bother with

Selection, but plans change when that much is

it.

demanded of you.

With some work she pasted a smile back onto her

Plenty is demanded of me now, I shot back.

face, and while I wanted to know what was troubling

One, watch your tone, she warned. And two, you

herbecause, in the end, all those troubles also fell

only see a fraction of the work. You have no idea

on meshe was right. I simply couldnt deal with it

how much pressure is placed on your father.

today.

I sat there, silent. I wanted to leave. If she didnt like

It seemed she hardly could either.

my tone, then why did she push me?

Do you ever regret it? I asked, seeing the sadness

Eadlyn, she began quietly. The timing of this

in her eyes despite her efforts. Entering the

happened to fall when it did. But, honestly, sooner or

Selection and ending up queen?

later I would have done something.

I was grateful she didnt just immediately say yes or

What do you mean?

no but actually considered the question.

You seem shut off in a way, disconnected from your

I dont regret marrying your father. I sometimes

people. I know youre constantly worried about the

wonder about the life I would have had without the

demands you will face as queen, but its time you

Selection, or if I had still come to the palace but lost.

see the needs of others.

You dont think I do that now? Did she see what I

need he had, that the queen herself would see to it.

did all day?

She said she talked with her family, and they agreed

She pressed her lips together. No, honey. Not if it

to help her, and that she never really wanted to let

comes before your comfort.

the baby go in the first place. She only looked into

I wanted to scream at her, and at Dad, too. Sure, I

adoption because she thought shed be alone. She

took shelter in long baths or a drink with dinner. I

apologized, like that could fix it.

didnt think that was too much to ask for considering

Miss Lucy sniffed as if she was trying to quiet her

what I sacrificed.

sobs. I drew close to the corner of the passage,

I didnt realize you thought I was so flawed. I

listening

stood, turning away.

Im so sorry, Lucy.

Eadlyn, thats not what Im saying.

Theres nothing to be sorry for. Its not your fault.

It is. Thats fine. I made my way to the door. The

She said those words kindly, bravely. I think we

accusation filled me with so much rage I could

need to accept that its over. Years of treatments, so

barely stand it.

many miscarriages, three failed adoptions . . . we

Eadlyn, darling, we want you to be the best queen

just need to let it go.

you can be, thats all, she pleaded.

There was a long silence before General Leger

I will, I answered, one foot in the hallway. And I

answered. If thats what you think is best.

certainly dont need a boy to show me how to do

I do, she said, her voice sounding assertive, before

that.

she sank into tears again. I still cant believe Ill

I tried to calm myself before walking away. It felt

never be a mother.

like the universe was plotting against me, its arms

A second later her cries were muffled, and I knew

taking turns swatting me down. I repeated in my

her husband had pulled her to his chest, trying to

head that it was only three months, only three

comfort her as best he could.

months . . . until I heard someone crying.

All these years I had thought the Legers had chosen

Are you sure? It sounded like General Leger.

to be a childless couple. Miss Lucys struggles had

I talked with her this morning. She decided to keep

never made it into conversation when I was in the

it. Miss Lucy pulled in a jagged breath.

room, and she seemed content enough to play with

Did you tell her that we could give that baby

us as children and send us on our way. Id never

everything? That we had more money than we could

considered that it might have been an unfortunate

ever spend? That wed love it, no matter its faults?

circumstance thrust on them.

General Legers words fell out in a whispered rush.

Was my mother right? Was I not as observant or

All that and more, Miss Lucy insisted. I knew

caring as I thought? Miss Lucy was one of my

there was a huge chance of the baby being born with

favorite people in the world. Shouldnt I have been

mental issues. I told her wed be able to tend to any

able to see how sad she was?